HEALTHY DRY CITIES
Msheireb Downtown Doha
Xeriscape gardening – landscaping that reduces the need for irrigation – can substitute for water-intensive green spaces
In November 2020, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) worked with The BMJ to publish a report that stated that urban centers in arid environments need to be more sustainable, more in harmony with the environment, and more livable. This photo exhibition uses images, primarily taken across the Qatar Foundation premisses in Doha, to highlight the report’s recommendations. Photographs by Mahmoud El Achi
Healing Garden, Sidra Medicine
Modern societies spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, so the design of buildings has major implications for health and wellbeing
Retractable shades, Barahat Msheireb
Shading reduces land surface temperature by intercepting solar radiation, and significantly improves human thermal comfort
Oxygen Park, Education City
Urban form affects physical activity, and well-designed compact cities promote outdoor physical activities and social interactions, reducing possible exposure to infection risk indoors
Shaded tram stop, Msheireb Downtown Doha
Public transport can be a healthy mode of transport, but it needs to be weather resilient. Transport hubs should be sheltered and accessible
Wind turbines, Education City
Climate-sensitive design seeks to maximize the advantage of local conditions and mitigate the drawbacks, while minimizing the use of non-renewable resources to improve sustainability
Photovoltaic cells above, Msheireb Downtown Doha
Electricity should be decarbonized and generated from solar energy
Cycle path, Msheireb Downtown Doha
Prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, while restricting vehicle access encourages physical activity and reduces pollution
Multaqa, Education City
Xeriscape gardening – landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation – can substitute for water-intensive green spaces
Qatar Foundation Headquarters’ interior
Climate-sensitive buildings are designed for indoor thermal comfort, fresh air, and well-controlled daylight and solar heating
Blue road surface, Abdullah Bin Jassim Street
Use of suitable colored materials in public spaces and on walking and cycle paths prevents surface heating and reduces heat emissions
Narrow streets, Msheireb Downtown Doha
Narrow streets and courtyards provide shade in the day
